29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”
32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”
35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
I don't have a question from the text this morning. Instead, I encourage you to take a little time today to press into what John's words mean for you when he declares Jesus is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"... which includes your sin and my sin!
Prayer of the Week:
Today’s Opening Prayer (including 2 minutes of silence)
Father, Son, Holy Spirit, I praise and thank you for the opportunity to be in your gracious presence in this moment. Jesus, restore me in You and renew me in you. Fill me afresh Holy Spirit, saturate me in Your Love, saturate me in your Life. Untangle me from my anxious thoughts, immerse me now in my true identity as a child of my heavenly Father and my irreplaceable role in Your larger story.
Jesus, help me STOP and own my utter need for You as my Savior, Leader, Lord, Hope and Life …
Jesus, open me up to receive You and all You have for me today …
I rest in You …
(Spend two minutes of reflective silence with eyes closed … just rest in the presence of yourself and Jesus!)
Daily Closing Prayer
Jesus, through the waiting of this Advent give me a deeper desire for you. I long for your return to make all things new! Jesus, I renounce any and all ways I tend to replace You through the celebrations and preparations of this season. Help me Re-see ways this season actually ignites my passion and longing for You. I want more of you Jesus. I need, utterly need, more of You Jesus. Fill me to overflowing with your life and your love.
Jesus through waiting I ask for more of your presence. I want to know you more. I want to spend all my day in side-by-side friendship with you. I receive You now.
I am excited to see what you can do today. I know you can do amazing things, and I would love to be a part of them.
I am waiting for your cue.
Amen
